Sunday, February 21, 2016

Marvel Collector Corps celebrates the release of Deadpool with a top-notch selection of foul-mouthed goodness.

Review by Matt Cummings

With our decision to abandon Loot Crate and our faith in Geek Fuel going month to month), we're now fully invested in the odd-month releases, including Marvel Collector Corps. The reasons for our switching were simple, and have since formed the cornerstone of our review process: QUALITY and TIMING. This month's DEADPOOL theme are good examples of these benchmarks, strengthening our belief that the month-to-month model is on its way out.
The Promise

Before we begin, let's look at the deal again: promising a value of $50, the box would keep the "fluff" (their words) to a minimum with Funko partnering each time to deliver an exclusive figure. Joining at the Founders level would get you an 8" exclusive figure on your one-year anniversary, but you can also subscribe at the Collector level at $25 with $6.95 shipping.
We're still not sure which figure they will release to Founders, but it's clear now that Funko will play a part. My Marvel Unlimited Plus comic sub revealed a terrific (and exclusive) Legends Rescue figure; and with Rocket Raccoon arriving at my door the first time around, I'm hopeful for something just as memorable. Anyone who might have some insight into this is encouraged to let us know.
The Delivery

MCC has quickly figured out the process to ensure that its goods arrive on time and intact. Another huge box means plenty of geeky Marvel goodness. As you can see, the outer box features the same lettering across the entire sides of the box as in previous months, and prominently displays Deadpool's now-worldwide famous image, based on the incredible box office response behind his first movie.
The Guts

Interior artwork a nice collection of Deadpool's finest, and it's almost worth keeping. As with previous months, MCC divides the box to keep the contents safely secured. No more rustling around to damage the goods and piss off our hero!

A continuing hallmark of MCC's boxes is their inner flap which contains two collectible "accessories" including a Deadpool patch (so awesome!) and pin. Each of these are exclusive to MCC, and their workmanship is terrific. These items alone seem to be worth the price of admission, and I'm moving quickly to honor them in memory box or something like that.
The Shirt

A regular player in the MCC game, this month's shirt is one of the best I've ever gotten from a sub box. This particular version, which I've seen before in X-men teams and in a LEGO figure, is part of a high-quality t-shirt that should survive several years of TLC. Because Deadpool would have wanted it that way. WIN
The Comic

After opening that inner flap, more joys await. Next up is another exclusive variant cover from the comic series. If you haven't read Deadpool - particularly those from Marvel Now! - you will find yourself laughing uncontrollably. While I also have that series primed in my Marvel Unlimited digital subscription, I enjoy these alternate covers, some of which fetch pretty decent money on the secondary market. However, and like all other MCC comics, I'll be keeping this bag/bordered beauty! WIN.

Every month, MCC gives some sort of interesting surprise, which included its now-classic Guardians scarf. This month, it's a plush doll, and it looks pretty cool. Granted, I could have probably purchased this one at my local Hot Topic, but it's forgivable as we were soon treated to two new exclusives.
Two New Figures

Dorbz returns with a collection of figurines including this one. I love the playfulness of the character, and here Deadpool plays the cowboy quite well. This is definitely better than their Ultron release several months ago, demonstrating to us that any final loose ends in these boxes has been effectively tied off.

Another (perhaps all-too easy) submission for MCC is their Pop! Vinyl collection and the addition of yet another exclusive. I'm guessing that any of these figures is worth your monthly sub price, as it's actually one of three versions we could have received. We'll have to wait to see how these figure in the secondary market - and whether interest in the film generates interests in the figurines - but the game of opening your box to see what's inside is always a great little game to play.
The Bottom Line

Marvel Collector Corps' February Deadpool theme gives us a wide variety of great goodies (minus the plushy), and solidifying its place as the best geek subscription box available. MCC's simple plan to deliver high-quality items that fans want should serve as an industry standard. With Smuggler's Bounty delivering a great Christmas present and DC entering the game very soon with its own box, we're ready to ditch the lower-end crap entirely. A general geek box plan no longer works, with these boxes make an airtight case. This box and series comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Want to read our other sub box reviews? We've got them all listed below:
MARVEL COLLECTOR CORPSMayJuneAugustOctoberDecemberSMUGGLER'S BOUNTY REVIEWSDecemberJanuaryGEEK FUEL REVIEWSOctoberNovemberDecemberJanuary
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